The home side were still trailing by three points with nine minutes to go, but a long range penalty by flyhalf Ernst Stapelberg equalled matters, before flanker Christo van der Merwe kicked through to score the winning try. Stapelberg converted from the touch line to seal a memorable afternoon with the boot. The flyhalf kicked three conversions and four penalties to help his side to a memorable win.

Stapelberg kicked two penalties in the opening minutes before the Blue Bulls found some rhythm in attack and raced Abongile Nonkontwana through for the opening try.

It was just a matter of minutes though before WP struck again, this time using the pace of their backline, with fullback Khanyo Ngcukana finishing some good phase play.

Warrick Gelant scored the visitors second try, but Human’s conversion went wide. Another Stapelberg penalty added to the score and WP lead 16-12 at the break. The second 35 minutes provided even more drama.

Prop Francois van der Merwe scored shortly after the restart and Stapelberg’s conversion saw his side enjoying a ten point lead.

Some replacements to the playing personnel saw the Blue Bulls erased that deficit via tries by Menzi Nhlabathi and Human.

With scores level and five minutes left, the final play belonged to Van der Merwe who hacked a loose ball ahead, re-gathered and dived for glory.

DHL Western Province Under-19 33 (16), Vodacom Blue Bulls 26 (12)

Scorers:

DHL WP 33 (16) Tries: Khanyo Ngcukana, Christo van der Merwe, Francois van der Merwe. Conversions: Ernst Stapelberg (3). Penalties: Stapelberg (4).
Vodacom Blue Bulls 26 (12). Tries: Warrick Gelant, Dewald Human, Menzi Nhlabathi, Abongile Nonkontwana. Conversions: Human (3).

Courtesy of SARU